Stoke have given their promotion push a huge boost with the loan capture of Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott until the end of the season.

The deal, subject to FA and Football League approval, should see the 27-year-old go straight into the Potters side for Sunday's crucial Championship clash at QPR.

The centre-half has found first team opportunities limited at the Riverside Stadium ever since the arrivals of Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth, while the impressive form of David Wheater has pushed him further down the pecking order this season.